4 Dark Horse Running Backs to Finish #1

Here are my top 4 dark horse running backs that could finish as the top running back in fantasy this season. 

#4 – Alexander Mattison – Madison finally has the keys to the Vikings backfield with Dalvin cook being released. Almost every time Mattison has had a chance to fill in for Dalvin Cook he has smashed stat lines and most times put up top five RB games. Mattison is only 25 years old and still has plenty of tread left on his tires. Even though he has never been a featured back for an entire year, the glimpses of him in a full-time role should shed some light on his potential upside. Mattison has the ability and skill to be a featured back for an entire season. Currently there is not much depth behind Mattison and he looks to be that bell cow for the Vikings. Signing a 2 year prove it deal, he will look to do just that…PROVE IT.

#3 – Rhamondre Stevenson – Last year I was on the Stevenson hype train and drafted him in nearly every draft I could. That obviously paid off with a top 10 RB finish, and carried my flex position all year in those leagues. Even with Damien Harris taking chunks away from his opportunities Stevenson was electric. Harris is gone to rival Buffalo and Stevenson will be the guy for New England and relied upon heavily. He is a hard runner and great pass catcher, which makes him a duel threat. Drafting Patriot running backs has always come as an uneasy decision, but not this year. Draft Stevenson confidently. Stevenson should deliver 240+ carries and catch 75+ balls. If he can break the 10 TD barrier he will be a top 5 running back in 2023 and he knows it. Reports out of camp are Stevenson knows he’s “the guy” at running back for the New England, and he’s preparing his body for that workload.

#2 – Najee Harris – Last season Harris took a small step back from 2021 and underwhelmed for his ADP. Last year in some drafts I saw Harris go as high as Pick 4. The Steelers have upgraded their offensive line this off season and no longer have a rookie quarterback. Harris has all the tools of an every down back and early reports from training camp suggest he looks a little slimmed down and more explosive. Should the Steelers undergo an offensive explosion in Pickett’s second season Harris could easily finish in the top three running backs. He has a middle of the road running back strength of schedule but this guy is talented and I look for Harris to take a really big step this year with the opportunities he gets. The Steelers defense usually keeps games within a score so Harris will be involved on the ground. If they have to go to the air he’s out there as well to catch passes. Draft Harris if he falls to you in your draft you won’t regret it.

#1 – Tony Pollard –  In my opinion Pollard is the absolute truth for fantasy in 2023.  He is going to play under the franchise tag this season and is going to try to earn every penny in that next new contract, this year.  Ezekiel Elliott is gone And it is time for Pollard to take over the show. Despite ranking outside the top 25 in touches per game last season he was the PFF third highest graded running back. The team added Ronald Jones in free agency, drafted Deuce Vaughn but neither is not a threat to a healthy Pollard’s touches.  Pollard will have more opportunities than he can imagine this season. With a top three defense Pollard should get as many offensive plays as anyone in football. Pollard is reported to be cutting and running at full speed in OTAs and not hampered by injury. Pollard is one of the most efficient and explosive backs in football and will crush stat lines this season